About the festival
Nachi Fire Festival, officially the Ogi Matsuri, uses large torches in a rite near Nachi Falls. The shrine above and the waterfall below are linked by a steep approach.
Who is it for?
Visitors interested in Kumano's sacred landscape and ceremonial fire.
Photo: Zairon · CC BY 4.0
Original date: 2023-10-19 10:08:51. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually 14 July
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Nachikatsuura · 那智勝浦
The ceremonial route descends from Kumano Nachi Taisha to Hiro Shrine in front of Nachi Falls. The large-torch rite takes place by the waterfall.
熊野那智大社・那智の滝
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take the JR Limited Express Kuroshio from Osaka or Tennoji to Kii-Katsuura, then a Nachisan-bound bus. Follow festival-day traffic and stop notices.
What to see
- Large torches
- Ceremonial fans
- Waterfall-side rites
History and origins
This principal annual rite of Kumano Nachi Taisha is associated with the shrine's founding traditions. Ogi refers to its ceremonial fans.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose the waterfall-side rite you want to see, and allow time for stairs and crowd controls.
Places to visit nearby
Nachi Falls
那智の滝
The waterfall landscape and its shrine setting.
Choose permitted viewing areas during the festival; ordinary walking access can change for the rite.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Nachi Ogi Matsuri: common questions
When is Nachi Ogi Matsuri?
Usually 14 July This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Nachi Ogi Matsuri take place?
The ceremonial route descends from Kumano Nachi Taisha to Hiro Shrine in front of Nachi Falls. The large-torch rite takes place by the waterfall.
How do I get to Nachi Ogi Matsuri by public transport?
Take the JR Limited Express Kuroshio from Osaka or Tennoji to Kii-Katsuura, then a Nachisan-bound bus. Follow festival-day traffic and stop notices.
Are the torches at the upper shrine or the waterfall?
The main torch rite is on the waterfall side at Hiro Shrine. The upper shrine and waterfall are separate points along a steep approach.
Official sources
Sources reviewed: .